November 04, 2020 

My first venture into mindfulness was several years ago when I enrolled in an eight-week meditation course offered through the City of Sparks, Department of Parks and Recreation for which Dar Shawver was the instructor. Dar was so knowledgeable and really catered to the individual needs of each of her students. She was receptive to all inquiries and made each participant feel seen and heard.  

I have been continuing my journey with meditation ever since, and Dar has kept in touch over the years, sharing her expertise with me through email and social media. She has given me access to recorded guided meditations and videos, and more recently, has led weekly meditations in a Facebook group that has helped me to navigate my emotions while living through a pandemic. Her recent addition of recordings on the Insight Timer App makes it so that I can access one of her meditations whenever I need it most.  

I know that those first weeks with Dar is what helped me create a foundation on which I could build a sustainable practice that has been a saving grace when it comes to my ability to manage my stress and anxiety. Every time I join one of Dar’s meditations, I learn something new that is of value to me. Her calm and soothing presence makes it so even people who are new to the group immediately feel more relaxed after joining in for just one of her meditation sessions. 

Dar welcomes everyone with kindness and treats everyone with respect. She does not push her beliefs on others, and she treats everyone as equals. Dar is open, honest, and not afraid to show her vulnerability, which only makes it easier to connect with her as she reminds us all that we are humans living the same human experiences.  

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For me, mindfulness and gratitude are symbiotic, and I am so grateful for the opportunities to continue to learn and grow from Dar’s mentorship as she helps me to not only stay in the present, but to live my most authentic life. 

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